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Two Weeks Left to Apply for State/Federal Disaster Assistance

OMAHA, Neb. -- October 18 is the last day that storm-affected residents of Burt, Douglas and Washington counties can apply for state and federal disaster assistance.

"We're getting close to the end of the registration period and if there is anyone who has damages from the Aug. 6-9 storms but still hasn't registered, they should do so today," said Charles Biggs, FEMA federal coordinating officer.

Individuals, families and businesses with damages from the early August storms can register for assistance by calling FEMA at 1-800-462-9029; (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call is free and takes about 15 minutes.

Residents, business owners and local governments became eligible for state and federal disaster assistance on Aug. 20 when President Clinton declared a major disaster for Nebraska. Since then, more than $6.5 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been provided.

Fran Laden, assistant director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), urged those who were affected by the storm and who need help with disaster-related costs, to apply before time runs out.

More than 3,400 registrations for disaster assistance have been received;

More than $4 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved. This is in the form of temporary rental assistance, minimal home repair grants, Individual & Family grants and, from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), low-interest disaster loans;

More than 2,000 calls have been made to the FEMA Helpline - a number available for disaster registrants who want to check the status of their applications or get questions answered. The Helpline number is 1-800-525-0321, (TTY): 1-800-462-7585. Calls are free and can be taken from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday;

Twenty-four local and State governmental entities have applied for state and federal assistance to repair or replace damaged infrastructure and to help pay the eligible costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures and damages to public buildings. Over $2.5 million has been approved for helping to pay these costs. Of that approved amount, FEMA pays 75% and the State and the applicant split the remaining 25%.